Four set to leave Saints
Stubbs starts clear-out
St Mirren have told four first team stars they are free to find new clubs.
Express Sport understands Gary MacKenzie, Adam Eckersley, Ian McShane and goalkeeper Ross Stewart have all been informed by manager Alan Stubbs that they can depart the Paisley club before the start of the Premiership season.
All four were members of the side that clinched the Championship last season. However, Stubbs is keen to shake up the Buddies squad.
Centre back MacKenzie is the last of Alex Rae’s signings still at the club and only penned a new one-year contract in May.
The 32-year-old headlines the list of potential departures, having made 55 appearances in his two seasons with the Saints and had been looking forward to testing himself in the top flight.
He was a regular under both Rae and Jack Ross, but the arrival of Josh Heaton at centre back appears to have spelled the end of his Saints career.
Full back Eckersley, 32, also has a year remaining on his contract, having had 42 outings since sigining from FC Edmonton in January last year.
The former Hearts and Hibs defender arrived among a raft of 10 signings made by Ross during the transfer window and was everpresent when fit.
He went on to make the left-back berth his own as part of the Saints defence that beat the drop in his first campaign before becoming a key cog in the defence which broke the club’s long-standing clean sheet record last season.
Ian McShane enjoyed a successful sole season with the Buddies after joining from Ross County last summer.
The midfielder struck five times in 40 appearances, including a stunning drive in a 3- 0 win over Dundee United last August.
Elsewhere, back- up shot stopper Ross Stewart has found his opportunities limited behind Craig Samson in goal following his arrival from Albion Rovers last summer.
The keeper has yet to make a league appearance for the Buddies – but has turned out in four cup ties.